Daimler powers into Beijing show

Ulrich Walker, chairman and CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia Ltd, presents the smart Dragon edition at 2012 Auto China.

With the Beijing Auto Show well underway, the level of excitement leaves no doubt that 2012 will be another great year for premium autos in China as a captivated public admires the latest that Daimler and Mercedes-Benz have to offer.

"We're really enthusiastic about the auto show in Beijing," said Ulrich Walker, chairman and CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia Ltd.

"Daimler is showcasing our entire line of products with an exciting array of exhibitions and press conferences highlighting how we're bringing innovation to China and developing new technology in this country right here, right now."

Mercedes-Benz, the iconic brand under the Daimler corporate umbrella, leads the way at the show with an impressive lineup of 34 car models, including four world premieres.

Emphasizing its commitment to China, Mercedes-Benz Cars has launched an exclusive smart dragon edition at the show to commemorate this year in the Chinese zodiac. Representing dynamism and success, the dragon's red and gold colors adorn the smart car, branded with an unmistakable badge of the Chinese character for "dragon".

As the ideal solution to urban mobility in busy Chinese megacities, the limited edition of 700 smart dragons is a perfect fit for consumers who want to express their individuality in modern China.

Mercedes-Benz has declared 2012 as "Year of the SUV", a theme that resonates particularly well in China, where consumers are leading a more adventurous lifestyle.

The Beijing show will also launch a special edition locally produced GLK-Class SUV, the GLK Grand Edition. With its distinctive aluminum running board, black privacy glass and heated front seats, the new GLK adds yet more variety to Mercedes-Benz extensive SUV family.

The smart dragon and the GLK-Class SUV represent the diversity of China's tastes and dreams of luxury in 2012, which the constantly refreshed portfolio of Mercedes-Benz models is ready to satisfy.

Moving people in style

The van sector is an important commercial area for the auto industry, where a variety of shapes and sizes of vans help businesses increase their mobility. Daimler has formed a joint venture in China, the Fujian Benz Auto Co, which produces vehicles that fill a much-needed niche for executive-class business transport.

Known as multi-purpose vehicles, or MPVs, the highly flexible, intelligent interior space of the Mercedes-Benz Vito, Viano, and Sprinter makes them ideal people-movers, whether it's for picking up business partners at the airport or shuttling a successful team around.

Auto show visitors can slide into their own comfortable seat in the special Viano Vision Diamond concept model and experience for themselves how the MPVs provide an oasis of unparalleled luxury amid the hustle and bustle of modern mobility.

The sleek outlines of the Viano elegantly sloping down to the three-pointed star proudly emblazoned on the front grill clearly show that this is an executive-level MPV. Yet the cabin of the Vision Diamond sets new standards in top comfort and interior styling.

With a highly intelligent use of space, the fine texture of the seating and appointments seamlessly blend with the high technology of its state-of-the-art audio and video multimedia center to produce a business travel environment second to none.

"This amazing MPV is a very real demonstration of how finely we are tuned-in to the needs of Chinese consumers," said Rene Reif, president and CEO of FBAC.

"In a country where hospitality to guests is key, businesses can now entertain colleagues in the privacy and comfort of what amounts to a mobile living room. And with the highest safety standards in the sector, our customers are assured that their guests travel safely as well as comfortably."

Reif also emphasized the level of personalization that the entire range of MPVs offers.

"While the Vision Diamond represents the pinnacle of luxury, all our vehicles are tailor-made for China with flexible seating arrangements from 6 to 20 passengers allowing customization to suit business needs. We are the complete business mobility solutions provider."

Embodying the high standards of Mercedes-Benz quality, the MPVs are destined to become lifelong reliable partners for successful businesses in China. The popularity of the MPV is clearly evident though the sector's strong 42 percent growth in 2011. To support high demand, FBAC will expand its points of sale to close to 100 outlets by the end of 2012.